News analysts — also sometimes referred to as newscasters or news anchors — examine, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources. News anchors present news stories and introduce videotaped news or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters. News analysts are also off-screen individuals who work behind the scenes to gather the news, or check facts, or direct reporters to investigate certain areas of their stories. They also may help in editing the news stories before they go on the air. Often, news analysts are specialists in a certain area of interest and will appear on news shows to give their analysis and opinions regarding current events. These jobs may be in any area, but are most often in “beats” that get a lot of coverage, such as national, state and local politics; criminal and civil legal proceedings (and, for a very select few, the Supreme Court); and various areas of business, from local to international.

Average Salary:

$51,890

Average Hours (per week):

The weeks are often long and go well into the weekends and late at night, particularly if there is a breaking story. News analysts work easily over 40 hours per week.

Union:

Typically this is a non-union management position.

Certifications:

No certification or licensing is required.

Training Period:

Most employers prefer individuals with a bachelor’s degree in journalism or mass communications, but some hire graduates with other majors. The employers look for experience at school newspapers or broadcasting stations, and internships with news organizations. Large-city newspapers and television and radio stations also may prefer candidates with a degree in a subject-matter specialty such as economics, political science, or business. Some large newspapers and broadcasters may hire only experienced reporters. Generally news analysts have a strong liberal arts education, with emphasis on history, political science, social science, and even psychology.

Strongest Market(s):

There were 6,310 broadcast news analysts in 2008.  Due to the limited number of broadcast licenses, smaller markets (Idaho, Georgia, Utah, Montana, and South Dakota) offer a better opportunity for entry-level news analyst jobs versus larger markets.

Entry Level Salary:

The starting salary range is $11.28 to $15.39 per hour.

Top Salary:

$156,200

Job Growth Forecast:

Projected growth for the next decade is below average at 4 percent.

Related posts:

1. Reporters and Correspondents
2. Broadcast Technicians
3. Editors
4. Radio and Television Announcers
5. Photojournalist